A recent incident involving a collision between a semi-trailer and a Rivian R1T has shed light on the potentially exorbitant costs of repairing the rugged electric truck. The owner, seeking repair at a certified shop, was presented with a staggering bill totaling $21,149.16, exceeding the cost of a brand-new Kia Soul.
Details surrounding the accident remain unclear, but the damage to the rear quarter of the R1T is substantial, including a broken light housing, a large dent in the bed’s side, a gash in the body’s corner, and a seemingly buckled tailgate. While such repairs can be costly for any vehicle, the final bill in this case has raised eyebrows.
The repair invoice, shared on Reddit, reveals 94.1 hours of labor at rates ranging from $120 to $195 per hour, totaling $19,209.05 before tax. Parts accounted for an additional $4,580.95. The repair shop explained to the owner that the high cost was partially due to the intricate nature of the repair, involving cutting and reworking the rear panel, which extends over the front doors.
Hit by semi trailer while parked. $21K for Rivian certified fix.
byu/tortito inRivian
To complete such a complex job, the repair shop sent its technicians to Rivian’s plant in Normal, Illinois, for a week of specialized training. Despite the hefty price tag, the owner praised the repair shop for the quality of their work.
However, questions linger about whether the insurance company will scrutinize the labor hours on the bill. Such expensive repairs, while ensuring a high-quality result, could be contributing to rising insurance costs nationwide.
